More than 25,000 warnings issued in first month of Safe Zones enforcement

On May 5, enforcement of Indiana’s worksite speed control pilot program, known as Safe Zones, began in the Clear Path I-465/I-69 construction zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Since then, more than 25,000 first-violation warnings have been issued for vehicles traveling more than 11 mph over the posted speed limit.

“Overall, we’re seeing slower speeds in the Clear Path work zone,” INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist said. “Speed is the leading factor in fatal crashes, and our goal is to create safer conditions for drivers, their passengers, and road workers.”

Safe Zones was first deployed in August 2024 on Interstate 70 in Hancock County and moved to Clear Path in January 2025. The program was enacted by the Indiana General Assembly through House Enrolled Act 1015 during the 2023 legislative session. First-time violators receive a zero-fine warning, followed by a $75 civil fine for a second violation, and a $150 civil fine for third and subsequent violations. In accordance with state statute, all collected fines are deposited into the state’s General Fund.

“Safe Zones is not designed to be a ‘gotcha’-type program,” said Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, author of HEA 1015. “It takes all of us to improve safety in construction zones or otherwise. Speeding puts everyone, drivers and passengers included, at risk of injury or even death.”

By statute, INDOT may deploy Safe Zones at up to four sites at any given time. Clear Path on the northeast side of Indianapolis is currently the only active site. Additional sites, to be announced later this summer, will begin with immediate enforcement. The program aims to protect the lives of motorists and road workers by slowing drivers down and reducing crashes in work zones. Recent data shows slower speeds through the Clear Path work zone. In late May, incidence of excessive speeds was down an average of 75 percent.

“It’s encouraging to see drivers slowing down in this highly traveled area,” Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor said. “Speeding through work zones provides very minimal time savings, and no one’s life is worth that couple of minutes – or less.”

How Safe Zones works

The Safe Zones system documents vehicle speeds using truck-mounted speed timing devices as they pass through work zones. When a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more than the posted speed limit, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate. After data is validated, violations are certified and issued to the vehicle owner by mail. Signs are posted to notify drivers entering and exiting active worksites that speeds are being monitored by an automated system. Workers must be present at the time of an event for a violation to be valid.

Violations may be paid online, by phone, or by mail. Payment is due within 30 days of a violation being mailed. To learn more about Safe Zones, visit SafeZonesIN.com.